Container conveyer and distributor



June 29, 1937. c. N. BERGMANN CONTAINER CONVEYER AND DISTRIBUTOR FiledApril 8, 1956 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 whisk@ I N VEN TOR. l;

m A TTORNEY Sw QS June 29, 1937. C. N BERGMANN 2,085,410

CONTAINER CONVEYER AND DISTRIBUTOR Filed April 8, 1936 6 Sheets-Sheet 2June 29, 1937. Q N. BERGMANN 2,085,410

CONTAINER GONVEYER AND DISTRIBUTOR Filed April s, 193e e sheets-sheet 5J6 IN1/EN TOR.

f @www ATTORNEY.

June 29, 11937- c. N. BERGMANN I CONTAINER CONVEYER AND DISTRIBUTORFiled April 8, 1936 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TOR. @Jww La@ A TTORNE YJune 29, 1937. C, N BERGMANN 2,085,410

CONTAINER CONVEYER AND DISTRIBUTOR Filed April 8, 1956 6 Sheets-Sheet 5@0J 1N VEN TOR.

June 29, 1937. c. N. BERGMANN 2,085,410

CONTAINER CONVEYER AND DISTRIBUTOR Filed April 8, 193e e sheets-sheet eiINVE' TOR.

A T TORNE YI Patented June 29, 1937 UNITED sTATEs PATENT OFFICEChristian N. Bergmann, Pittsburgh, Pa., gi' two-sixths to Charles M.Clarke,

Application April 8, 1936, Serial N0. 73,275

17 Claims.

My invention is an improvementl in distributing conveyers forcontainers, such as bottles, cans, or the like. It is particularlyadapted to the art of conveying milk bottles, as from a washing machineto a plurality of receiving stations for further treatment.

Specirlcally, in the application of the invention as illustrated and ashereinafter described, the invention involves the installation of a mainconveyer or trackway and one or more divisional lateral trackways, andan automatically operating switching device at their junction fordividing or subdividing a main stream or series of bottles into pluralstreams.

The invention also involves as a co-operating element a transfer switchof selector type so constructed and adapted to operate in connectionwith a main and lateral trackway, for distributing bottles or units ofvarying sizes and capacities.

'I'he object in view is to divide or subdivide the constant stream ortrain of bottles into regularly controlled fractional portions thereof,so that such reduced portions may be delivered to the several terminalreceiving stations, as to filling machines.

While the invention as herein disclosed refers to the art or practice ofwashing and filling milk bottles, it will be understood that it may beutilized in connection with a main quantity of similar containers orother generally similar objects capable of being progressed, Whilestanding upright, by a supporting conveyer, as a belt or chain, fordistribution.

The principal active feature of the invention is a star shaped ortoothed rotating switching device, pivotally mounted at the trackwayjunction, on the base of a switching platform.

'I'he active switching element is adapted to be engaged between itsradially disposed fingers or prongs, by one or more bottles of anoncoming conveyer-propelled series, and to divert the next bottlelaterally. Also, the next oncoming bottle, acting on the, laterallydiverted bottle, will not only assist finger action in accomplishingsuch lateral diversion, but will itself be maintained in straight linemovement. And furthermore, the action of the bottle in the rear of the`laterally diverted bottle will cause it to exert forward straight linemovement against the immediately preceding bottle, maintaining not onlyits straight line travel, but also continued rotation of the switchingdevice.

'I'he invention also provides for further lateral thrusting of thediverted bottle, with ensuing assigner Sewickley,

rotating engagement by the next oncoming straight line bottle with theintervening thrusting finger, vas controlled by the oncoming travellingseries and its conveyer.

Referring to the drawings showing certain 5 preferred constructions:-

Flg. 1 is a diagrammatic plan view illustrating the invention asutilized for alternating single bottle switching and straight travelmovement;

Fig. 2 is a similar view as utilized for alternat- 10 ing single bottleswitching and plural bottle straight travel movement, with subsequentalternating single distribution, both lateral and straight;

Figs. 3 to 'l inclusive are plan views illustrating 15 successively theprogressive positions assumed by the bottles and the switching device ascontrolled by the oncoming column, in single bottle distribution;

Figs. 8 to 11 inclusive are similar views illustrating the movementseiected in alternating single bottle switching and plural bottlestraight line movements, and the form of switching device therefor;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged sectional elevation illustrating a series ofbottles and the shifting device in elevation and the bridge and conveyerin section, on the line XII- XII of Fig. 7;

Fig. 13 is a cross section on the line XIII-)U11 of Fig. 12;

Figs. 14 to 19 inclusive are plan views of various size and shapeshifting devices;

Fig. 20 is a plan view of the bridge and transfer switch mechanism;

Fig. 21 is a cross section on the line XXI-XXI of Fig. 20;

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of one of the lateral guides.

Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate two of several possible adaptations of theinvention to the solution of the problem of distributing the normaloutput of a single washing machine to a plurality of subsequent stationsand operations, as in filling the bottles. Ordinarily the capacityoutput of a single washing machine is greatly in excess of that of asingle lling machine, hence it is desirable and necessary to apportionthe supply or rate of feed of bottles to a plurality of lling machinesproportionally.

In the layout of Fig. 1 the washing machine A with a capacity and outputof say 240 per minute supplies its bottles to lling machine B having alarge capacity of 120 per minute; to machine C having a reduced capacityof per min- 65 more, 'fully in Figs. 8 to 11 inclusive, together `withits progressive action upon and by the` utc; and to' machine D having asimilar reduced capacity'of 60 per minute.

*The-washing machine A discharges its output infsuccessive'frows of say12 bottles each onto la'.A conveyertrackway 5,v bottoms down.

trackway is of conventional form, having ra lower supporting andkconveying belt or chain 6 of The lsuitable construction. and flexibleboth vertically and laterally, as commonly practiced. The speed of theconveyer is adjusted to the discharge speed of the vwashingmachinev sothat each row of bottles as discharged will be located just behind thepreceding advancing row in transit. -However it is /desirable'thatthespeed of the conveyer shall be suflicient'to compensate for any gapspaces between the bottles and to maintain them in close pushing contactwith each other until o r asv they arrive successively at the firstswitching station E, and also the second sta- .E to thev 120 p. m. llingmachine B, along which trackway the alternating bottles of the maincolumn are carried, the others proceeding straight along trackway 5.

' v The separation and alternating straight travel and vlateraldistribution to trackway 1 is effected" by the bottle-actuated pivotedshifting device 8, the construction and successive operation of-'whichis more fully illustrated in the enlarged views of Figs. 3 to 7inclusive.

- Bottlespassing to the second switching Station arether'e equallysubdivided in the same manf ner'l alonglateral trackway 9 to fillingmachine Cand along main trackway 5 to the nal filling machine D.` vBysuch distribution each iilling machine` receives its appropriatefractional pory tion of the output of the washing machine A for any.Vgiven operating period.

vvIn vthe same general manner a similar washing machine AA distributesits output to lling machines BB, CC and DD from a main trackway 5athrough lateral trackways 1a and 9a and the straight delivery portion ofthe main trackway, as inFig. 2. In this case the capacity of each llingmachine is the same, i. e. 80 p. m. totalling for the-three that of thewashing machine, 240 p. m. It is therefore desirable to extract from themainA column at first station EE but onethird of the, total or 80, andto forward along the main trackway Sarthe remaining two-thirds or 160p.*m. for further separation at station FF.

.The separationv at station FF into equal l'ialves is therefore the sameas in Fig. 1, but at station EE 'I provide a switching device 8a adaptedto thrust. one'v `bottle laterally for each two bottlespropelled'jlongitudinally of the track, in alternating'directions foreach quarter rotation of the fro switching'device 8a. 'Ihis feature ofthe invention .havingfthe alternating single lateral and double straightmovement function is shown advancing column. I t'willbe understood thatthe several trackway'sections 5, 1l and 9 and 5a, 1a and 9a, are

' 'jrco'nventional and of common Well known construction.

sprockets, pulleys or wheels, and for lateral movement around curves, asin Figs. 1 and 2. 'I'he trackway is defined between a lower support as achannel Ill and guiding sides Il, Il, i of suitable construction tomaintain the bottles erect, with easy clearance in their passage.

At each station E and F and EE and FF I provide a comparatively thinfiat supporting bridge I2 extending partly over the main and lateralconveyer, onto which and from which the bottles are successivelydelivered as the column advances. When thus placed on the bridge thesuccessive bottles are temporarily separated from conveyer'belt or chainaction, but are slidably subject to the pushing action of the rearoncoming bottles.

At a point opposite the entering end of lateralI conveyer 1, Fig. 1, Ilocate the switching device 8 for alternating single bottle control. Itconsists of the middle body or hub portion I3 rotatably mounted at I4and having the surrounding series of equilaterally arranged projectingrounded end fingers I5 and the alternating concaved edges I6.

Depending on the capacity of the bottles being conveyed, whether quarts,pints or half pints, the curvature ofl concave faces I6 preferablyclosely approximates their main body form as to quarts and pints, thecurvature for half pintsv being preferably somewhat freer, with ampleclearance in each case. However, in each case each of the fingers I5extends sufllciently from the properly located freely pivoting center I4to be initially engaged in front of and by a bottle a to which forwardtravel movement is imparted.

Rotation of switching device 8 by bottle a will thus bring its nextadjacent nger or prong I5 against the next adjacent bottle b for lateralmovement thereof. 'Ihe forwardly moved concave face I6 in such position,and in rotative movement indicated by arrow is in approximatelyembracing engagement with and by bottle a While it is being pushed byadjacent rear bottle b directly forwardly along the straight trackway,as in Fig. 3, until thus shifted laterally.

Lateral trackway 1 is provided with an enlarged throat or clearance gapI1 communicating at its receiving side by suitable guiding means withthe advancing column of bottles in the main trackway 5. Such clearancegap thus enlarges the opening of the lateral trackway at its receivingend and facilitates entrance of the laterally switched bottle b. Infurther progress of the column, bottle a is thus pushed forwardly to theposition of Fig, 4 at which time bottle b has arrived at registeringposition with widened opening I1.

At the same time, having come into abutting contact with the roundednose terminal of finger I5, under rotation of preceding bottle a, bottlefb is shifted laterally. A

Thus bottle b in its lateral movement has a wiping action against frontbottle a, tending to force and maintain it in a straight line movementalong the main trackway 5, as indicated by the arrows, Fig. 4. The nextrearwardly adjacent bottle a, pressing against partially shifted frontbottle b, and the outward throat of rounded finger I5, causes bottle bto move further angularly under the active forces andin the directionindicated by the arrows. n

At the same time, bottle fb, as thus forced diagonally across thewidened entrance opening I1 into lateral trackway 1, has also pressedits with finger I5, maintains its Straight alinement,

and follows along straight trackway 5.

It will thus be seen that each successive bottle upon arriving atstation E engages the immediately preceding bottle, causing therotatable switching device 8 to make a one-quarter revolution, withalternating disposition of the individual bottles straight ahead andlaterally.

The switching device 8 throughout Figs. 3 to 7 inclusive, as to its fourregularly spaced uniform ngers. is numbered progressively 1, 2, 3 and 4,illustrating the progress of each and its position through one cyclemovement, or quarter revolution,

Fig. 7 illustrates the position assumed by the straight travellingbottles a. and the laterally travelling bottles b as they progress afterhaving been divided alternately as above described.

The supporting bridge I2 is utilized as a temporary arresting platformonto which the bottles are delivered by the conveyer belt and over thesurface of which they are pushed by the oncoming column.

Its function is to temporarily support the bottles with frictionalretardation independent of conveyer action until distributed laterallyan-d forwardly, by pushing action of the rear closely assembled columnof bottles, when they then pass olf of the bridge and are carried by thetrackway conveyer to a filling machine or a subsequent station.

In utilizing the form of shifter 8a of Figs. 8 to 11 inclusive, shown indetail in Fig. 15, the only diierence in shape and function is inproviding suicient space between the prongs or fingers I for receptionof two bottles instead of one. Otherwise the action in discharging onebottlelaterally while two are advanced in a straight line, issubstantially the same as with alternating single bottles.

Thus as bottle bis advanced by the rear column it pushes precedingbottles a, a, straight along against the concave face I6 of finger I5,rotating device 8a until the next adjacent finger engages bottle b andthrusts it out of line, as in Fig. 9. The reaction against the adjacentfront bottle a, together with the guiding side bars or edges Il, ensuresstraight line movement of the pair of bottles a over the bridge and ontothe conveyer beyond.

Bottles b as successively separated from the column pass to the lateralconveyer in the same manner as above described.

It will be noted that in both the single-single and single-doubleseparators the spacing fingers extend from the main hub in such a manneras to exert a denite and positive lateral movement te each bottle b asthey swing around. Also that in each case the abutting end of the ringeris rounded, providing a gradual wiping action instead of a hammer blow,and that the concave face immediately behind the nger terminal is deepand suflicient to ensure ample and certain rotating pressure by thebottle surface.

Such construction, together with the reactionary fending action on thesecond bottle a by laterally moving bottle b ensures straight linetravel of both bottles a, a, and positive quarter rotation of the device8 or 8a every time a bottleb is discharged laterally. The constructionof both forms of device 8 and Bai, for quart size, is shown in Figs. 14and 15.

Figs. 16 and 17 are on a relatively corresponding scale and illustratethe switching device as made for pint bottle distribution, single-singleand single-double respectively. The construction is substantially thesame as for quart size, except that the concave seating radii and lengthof the lingers is proportionately reduced.

Figs. 18 and 19 in the same way show the shifter as made for half pintbottles for single and double capacity respectively. In such case,because of the still further reduction in bottle diameter, I find thatin the case of single small bottle shifting I may use one additionalnger and concavity, giving equally good results and compactness, as inFig. 18. In the double space construction of Fig. 19 I adhere to thefour linger form, like Figs. 17 and 15, merely reducing sizes to suitthe reduced size bottles. Otherwise the construction and operation ofthe device for either size is substantially the same, as abovedescribed.

I show in Figs. 20, 21 and 22 illustrations of a bridge construction inwhich I have provided for use of each one of the several foregoing formsof Shifters by substitution, as well as laterally directing adjustableguides providing for variation in the width of the conveyer switchtrackway, to suit the various sizes of bottles being conveyed anddistributed.

In such form of bridge it constitutes a substantial section of the mainlongitudinal trackway with a lateral shelf at one side having guidesleading to the lateral trackway, and an opposite portion provided withsocket bearings for the several switching devices. It is preferably inthe form of a casting I2a suitably designed for incorporation in thecomplete conveyer system, as a xture.

The generally at upper surface of the bridge is interrupted by atransverse depressed runway I8 in which is laid a channel section Illaconnecting with the stationary sections I0 of the main trackway, andforming a continuation thereof across the bridge. A guide IIa on thebridge, opposite its lateral discharge outlet, forms a continuation ofguide I I at one side.

At each side of the channel I8 the inner edge portions of the bridgesurface are longitudinally rebated as at 3| for reception of strips 32.These extend inwardly at each side of conveyer chain 6a with clearance,and are 'suciently close together to provide edge supports for all sizesof bottles.

The strips 32 may also be removed if desired, leaving the rebates 3|adapted to receive a conveyer of the slat type, as in Figs. 12 and 13.

Channel section Illa is co-extensive with the span of the bridge andrests on adjusting screws I9 extending up through the bottom of the run-Way.

By such or equivalent means the channel section may be adjustedvertically so that the chain 6a may travel across the bridge with itsupper edges just slightly below the nat-surface opposite edge portions32 of the bridge. The conveyer chain 3a is composed of supporting links,suitably connected as by cross pins 2I with ample clear- .5 as carriedby the chain, they will be successively delivered onto the stationarybridge just above and out of contact with the chain, as indicated inFig. 21. As thus supported by their opposite bottom portions theysuccessively arrive within range of the switching device 8 or 8a fordis-y tribution laterally and longitudinally, as above described.

The bridge member I2a is provided with a series of stud sockets 22, 23and 24 for singlesingle switching devices, and 25, 26 and 21 forsingle-double switchingv devices, such as are shown in the general viewsand in Figs. 14 to 19 inclusive.

Each socket is adapted to receive a stud 28 having a bearing collar 29and an upper journal extension 3D upon which is rotatably mounted theparticular switching device 8 or 8a being used.

I thus provide for substitution of each of the particular switchingdevices as required.. The

several sockets are properly located to receive and allocate theparticular switching device in its proper position with relation to thecentral line of main progress and the lateral trackway and the guidesleading thereto.

At each side of the lateral outlet passageway leading to the lateraltrackway 1 or 9, or 1w or 9a, I utilize correspondingly adjustabledeecting guides 33 and 34, one at each side.

"Ihese have inner curving or movement-de- 35 ning faces 35 and 36corresponding generally to the guiding faces indicated diagrammaticallyin the general plan views of Figs. 1 to 11 inclusive. Each is providedwith a pair of downwardly extending studs 3l insertable incorrespondingly spaced apart sockets 22a, 23a. and 25a through the fiatface of the bridge.

Such adjustment provides for proper location of the guides with relationto the size bottle being handled. By such adjustment I am enabled toproperly locate the guides, dependent on whether quart, pint or halfpint bottles are being operated upon.

The construction and operation of my invention will be readilyunderstood from the foregoing description. It accomplishes the functionof positively and effectively distributing milk bottles regularly and atdesirably reduced speeds to a plurality of operating stations, withoutmanual attention, and by simple and efficient means.

While the particular application herein disclosed relates to thedisposition of bottles, it will be understood that it is applicable toany cylindrical articles or other shape containers capable of ,beingmoved on their bottoms by a travelling conveyer.

Thus the containers may be of other shape than truly cylindrical incross section, as hexagonal, octagonal, oval, etc. sufficiently like acylindrical form to co-operate with the engaging radial arms and theirterminals.

Also that the invention may be variously changed or modified in detailconstruction to adapt it to4 particular conditions as to shape,

size, speed, etc. or in other respects as by substitution ofequivalents, but all such changes are contemplated as within the scopeof the following claims.

y 1. In combination with a main longitudinal conveyer trackway havingmeans for progressing a continuous series of upright cylindrical units,

a laterally disposed conveyer trackway leading away therefrom having areceiving opening for reception of units therefrom, a freely rotatabletransfer switching device positioned at the junc- 5 tion of saidtrackways opposite said receiving opening having a plurality of equallyspaced radiating arms and intervening concaved arm faces, each of saidfaces successively confronting approaching units and each of said armssucl0 cessively extending rotatably across the longitudinal conveyerpath for pocket engagement of its concaved face by an oncoming unit andfor lateral thrusting by the terminal on an adjacent arm of the nextfollowing unit towards the re- 15 ceiving opening of the laterallydisposed conveyer trackway.

2. In combination with a longitudinal conveyer trackway and a laterallydisposed conveyer trackway communicating therewith, a 20 freelyrotatableswitching device positioned at the junction of said trackways foralternating longitudinal and lateral disposition of trackwayconveyedcylindrical units, said device having a plurality of equally spacedradiating arms and 25 intervening concaved faces, and means providing abridging support for trackway conveyed units independent of conveyerengagement located at said junction, and forming a pathway to thelaterally disposed trackway. 30

3. In combination with a longitudinal conveyer trackway for conveyingupright cylindrical units and a laterally disposed conveyer trackwayhaving an enlarged receiving opening communicating with thelongitudinal' trackway, a '35 freely rotatable transfer switching devicepositioned at the junction of said trackways opposite said receivingopening having a plurality of equally spaced radiating arms andintervening concaved faces, said faces confronting approach- 40 ingunits and of suiiicient pocketing extent between the arm terminals forembracing engagement of a unit, each of said arms extending rotatablyacross the longitudinal conveyer path for pocket engagement byanloncorning unit and for 45 lateral thrusting towards the lateralconveyer trackway of a following unit by an adjacent arm.

4. In combination with a longitudinal conveyer trackway and a laterallydisposed con- 50 veyer trackway having an enlarged receiving openingcommunicating with the longitudinal trackway for conveying uprightcylindrical units,

a freely rotatable transfer switching device positioned at the junctionof said trackways op- 5 posite said receiving opening having a pluralityof equally spaced radiating arms and intervening concaved faces, saidfaces confronting approaching units and of sufficient pocketing extentbetween the arm terminals for embracing engage- G0 ment of a pluralityof units, each of said arms extending rotatably across the longitudinalconveyer path for pocket engagement by plural oncoming units and forlateral thrusting towards the lateral conveyer of a following unit by an65 adjacent arm.

the junction of said trackways at one side of the longitudinal trackwayand opposite said receiving opening having a plurality of equally spacedradiating arms and intervening concaved faces, operable by movement ofconveyed articles to direct certain ones thereof along the longitudinaltrackway and to deiiect others over the bridge onto the lateraltrackway.

6. In combination with a longitudinal conveyer trackway and a laterallydisposed conveyer trackway for receiving a portion of longitudinallyconveyed articles, a transfer bridge connecting both trackways havingguides forming an enlarged receiving opening communicating with thelongitudinal trackway, a freely rotatable transfer switching devicepositioned at the junction of said trackways at one side of thelongitudinal trackway and opposite said receiving opening having aplurality of equally spaced radiating arms traversable across the maintrackway and provided with concaved faces between the arms, operable bymovement of conveyed articles to direct certain ones thereof along thelongitudinal trackway and to deect others over the bridge onto thelateral trackway.

'7. In combination with a longitudinal trackway having parallel guidingsides and a supporting conveyer between and below the same, and alaterally disposed similar conveyer trackway having an enlargedreceiving opening communicating therewith for alternating longitudinaland lateral disposition of. trackway-conveyed cylindrical units, afreely rotatable switching device positioned at the junction of saidtrackways opposite said receiving opening having a plurality of equallyspaced radiating arms and intervening concaved faces, and a laterallydisposed bridge member on a level with both conveyers for transferringdeflected units from the longitudinal trackway to the lateral trackwayfollowing their removal from the longitudinal trackway by the switchingdevice.

8. In combination with a longitudinal trackway having parallel guidingsides and a. supporting conveyer between and below the same forconveying upright cylindrical units, and a laterally disposed similarconveyer trackway having an enlarged receiving opening communicatingtherewith, a freeely rotatable switching device positioned at thejunction of said trackways opposite said receiving opening having aplurality of equally spaced uniform radiating arms traversable acrossthe main trackway and provided with uniform concaved faces between thearms, and a supporting bridge therefor spanning the junction gap betweenthe longitudinal and lateral trackways on the planes thereof.

9. In combination with a longitudinal conveyer trackway and a laterallydisposed conveyer trackway communicating therewith, and a'supportingbridge extending across the junction area of said trackways, a freelyrotatable switching device positioned at the junction of said trackwaysopposite the lateral trackway entrance opening having a plurality ofequally spaced radiating arms traversable over the bridge and providedwith concaved faces between the arms.

10. In combination with a longitudinal trackway having parallel guidingsides and a supporting conveyer between and below the same for conveyingupright cylindrical units, and a laterally disposedsimilar conveyertrackway having an enlarged receiving opening communicating therewith, asupporting bridge extending across the junction area of said trackwaysabove the Iconveyers thereof adapted to slidably receive articlesdelivered thereon by the longitudinal conveyer, and a freely rotatableswitching device positioned at the junction of said trackways oppositesaid receiving opening having a plurality of equally spaced radiatingarms traversable over the bridge and provided with concaved facesbetween the arms for directing conveyed articles alternately towards thelateral conveyer and longitudinally beyond it.

11. In conveying and distributing means for transporting cylindricalbottles or the like while standing upright on their bases, thecombination with a main longitudinal trackway provided with longitudinalguiding sides and a lower conveyer adapted to support a series ofbottles thereon; of a laterally disposed similar trackway and conveyercommunicating with the main trackway between its ends, a supportingbridge for the bottles covering the junction area of said trackwayshaving a curving guide-defined enlarged opening communicating with themain trackway, and a rotatably mounted switching and distributing devicelocated opposite said opening having a plurality of equally spacedradiating arms traversable over the bridge and intervening concavedfaces adapted to be rotatably engaged by an oncoming bottle against oneof said arms and to project the next adjacent bottle laterally towardssaid opening by its next adjacent arm.

12. In conveying and distributing means for transporting cylindricalbottles or the like while standing upright on their bases, thecombination with a main longitudinal trackway provided with longitudinalguiding sides and a lower conveyer adapted to support a series ofbottles thereon; of a laterally disposed similar trackway and conveyercommunicating with the main trackway between its ends, a supportingbridge for the bottles for covering the junction area of said trackwayshaving a curving guide-defined enlarged opening communicating with themain trackway, and a rotatably mounted switching and distributing de-13. In combination with a longitudinal conveyer trackway and a laterallydisposed conveyer trackway for conveyance and distribution ofcylindrical units, a flat faced bridge member interposed in thelongitudinal trackway at its junction with the lateral trackway having alongitudinal conveyer channel, laterally directing guides providing apathway to the lateral conveyer, a pivoting stud on the other side ofthe channel, and a freely rotatable switching device mounted on the studhaving a plurality of equally spaced radiating arms and interveningconcaved faces.

14. In combination with a longitudinal conveyer trackway and a laterallydisposed conveyer trackway for conveyance and distribution ofcylindrical units, a fiat faced bridge member interposed in thelongitudinal trackway atits junction with the lateral" trackway having alongitudinal conveyer channel, a vertically adjustable conveyer trackwaysection therein, laterally directing guides providing a pathway over thebridge to the lateral conveyer, a pivoting stud on the opposite side ofthe channel, and a freely rotatable switching device mounted on the studhaving a plurality of equally spaced radiating arms and interveningconcaved faces.

15. In combination with a longitudinal conveyer trackway and a laterallydisposed conveyer trackway for conveyance and distribution ofcylindrical units, a flat faced bridge member interposed in thelongitudinal trackway at its junction with the lateral trackway having alongitudinal conveyer channel, a vertically adjustable conveyer trackwaysection therein, laterally directing guides providing a pathway over thebridge to the lateral conveyer, said guides being adjustable to varyingpositions, a plurality of variably located stud sockets on the oppositeside of the channel, a pivoting stud insertable in either socket andadapted to receive one of a series of freely rotatable switching deviceseach capable of being mounted on the stud when conformably located eachhaving a plurality of equally spaced radiating arms and interveningconcaved faces for selective engagement with units of different sizes.

16.l In combination with a main conveyer trackway, a section thereofbeing adapted to direct conveyed articles laterally consisting of a baseplate having at one side directing guides and at the other side asocket, a supporting stud mounted in the socket, and a transferswitching device for selecting and disposing the units of alongitudinally moving conveyer-actuated series of uprightcylindricalarticles for alternating longitudinal and lateral movement consisting ofa freely rotatable member mounted on the stud having a plurality ofequally spaced radiating arms and intervening concaved faces.

17. In combination with a main conveyer trackway, a section thereofbeing adapted to ldirect conveyed articles laterally consisting of a.gitudinally moving conveyer-actuated series of upright cylindricalarticles for longitudinal and lateral movement thereof.

CHRISTIAN N. BERGMANN.

